Qualifications Summary:
A motivated, driven reporter with a demonstrated ability to cover challenging issues and deliver strong, well-written stories. Able to navigate complex bureaucracies and produce compelling packages on deadline.
Experience:
November 2004-September 2007, The Tribune Chronicle, Warren City/Township reporter
- Completed a six-month investigation that revealed multiple loopholes in existing sex offender laws, which created a false sense for residents. The package helped law enforcement locate a sex offender who failed to register with the county sheriff and whose name did not appear on the state sex offender registry.
- Worked in a highly competitive media market and was the first to consistently break stories on environmental issues, crime, education and city government.
August 2004-November 2004, The Sandusky Register, Perkins Township reporter
- Covered geographic beat for the second largest area in Erie County, including a fast-growing retail industry, local government, and schools – K-12 and higher education.
- Wrote stories about controversial minority hiring policies in the schools and election coverage for a school district hovering above fiscal watch status.
March 2004-August 2004, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Ohio Statehouse intern
- Covered complicated legislation such as medical malpractice bills, school funding issues and gay marriage laws.
- Stories also appeared in 10 other Gannett newspapers with a combined circulation of 154,000.
December 2003-April 2004, Suburban News Publications, Education correspondent
- Covered education beat producing stories on students, teachers and administrators in 10 schools, elementary through high school, for a suburban weekly.
- Wrote stories ranging from school plays to major district-wide changes, such as space limitations and the implementation of split sessions for grades seven through 12.
June 2003-February 2004, The Lantern, Campus Editor
- Led 20 reporters, edited stories, generated story ideas, established university beats and produced creative displays for one of the largest daily collegiate newspapers in the country.
- One of two student members selected to serve on the School of Journalism and Communication’s Publication Committee, which focused on ethical issues dealing with the student newspaper.
March 2001-March 2007, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force Reserve
- Process and load vehicles, parts, equipment, and troops onto and off of military aircraft.
- Graduated with distinction in 2001 from technical training school at Lackland, AFB in San Antonio, Texas; Chosen to attend a Pentagon Orientation in Washington D.C.; Selected by a Pentagon official to lay the Air Force Reserve wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Awarded Outstanding Airman of the Quarter for the 445th Airlift wing in 2004; Nominated for Outstanding Airman of the Year in 2004.
Education:
Northwestern University, Master of Science in Journalism, expected to graduate August 2008.
The Ohio State University, Bachelor of Arts in journalism and English, graduated cum laude June 13, 2004. GPA 3.5
Activities:
Society of Professional Journalists, Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc.
